ITV viewers made the same complaint minutes into the first episode of Winter, with many calling the new crime thriller “gruesome” even as others hailed it as ITV’s answer to Silent Witness.
The six-episode series, starring Richard Armitage as forensic pathologist Dr Ethan Winter, aired its first episode on Wednesday, September 30, with the full boxset available on ITVX. The opening instalment follows Winter as he investigates after police discover the frozen body of a young woman at the back of a truck.
Graphic scenes prompt viewer reaction
ITV had provided an explicit warning for “graphic scenes of violent death” ahead of the episode, but viewers were still unprepared for the sight of the victim’s insides. One fan wrote on X: “Holy moly - that looked gruesome!” Another echoed: “I know they warned us, but.....gaaaaah!” A third posted: “F****** hell, wasn't expecting to see that!”
One viewer shared a shocked GIF of Oprah Winfrey, while another joked: “Think I’ll eat my sarnie later…” The first episode also featured a woman collapsing after inhaling cyanide from cutting open a body.
Comparisons to Silent Witness
Despite the bloodied scenes, Winter has already gained a fanbase, with some comparing it to the iconic detective drama Silent Witness. One viewer asked: “Is this ITV’s answer to Silent Witness?” Another questioned: “So is this Silent Witness ITV style?”
Others said the show “looks promising” and that they were “enjoying it so far”. One fan posted: “Looking forward to the start of Winter, anything with Richard Armitage is always excellent!” Another agreed: “Got to watch this because Richard Armitage is in it!”
Next week’s case
Winter will return next week with a fresh case involving the death of a construction worker whose face has been peeled away. The episode’s synopsis teases: “Using his unique forensic insight, Winter quickly establishes the victim never worked on the site and that his body was dumped there after death.”
Winter is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.
